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Some economic considerations involved in water pollution control

page 89

Some Economic Considerations
Involved in Water Pollution Control
G. E. McCallum, Chief
Water Supply and Water Pollution Control Program
Public Health Service
U. S. Department of Health, Education, & Welfare
Washington, D. C.
The importance of clean water has been recognized since ancient times. Evidence of this recognition is seen in the comment of
the Greek tragic poet Aeschylus who said:
"But if with streams defiled and tainted soil,
Clear river thou pollute, no drink thou'lt find!"
This observation is as it was in the Fifth Century, B. C. Its
portent for the future is ominous.
Since the beginning of World War II, this country has become
a tremendous water user and is suffering many of the "growing
pains" associated with rapid development. We are experiencing
increasing competition for available waters and sharper conflicts
between water users. Also, we are all aware that water use for
all purposes is increasing rapidly. We are, therefore, confronted not
only with today's water resources problems, but with planning for
tomorrow's needs as well.
In the years ahead, an important share of the nation's welfare
will depend on our ability to accommodate all water uses in a reasonable and equitable manner. With respect to pollution control, several
plans to this end are on trial or have been proposed. Various authorities would like to suggest that perhaps a number of the best
answers to our water quality management problems may be revealed
in a study of the economics involved.
The primary thought behind this paper, therefore, is to stimulate
economic studies so that such organizations and regulations as
eventually evolve to control water resources, including pollution
control, will be based on firm foundations. Certainly it would be
better for these foundations to be laid on the economic merits of
the situation than on some arbitrary expediency which otherwise
might rule.
The dependence of national economic growth upon water should
89

Some Economic Considerations
Involved in Water Pollution Control
G. E. McCallum, Chief
Water Supply and Water Pollution Control Program
Public Health Service
U. S. Department of Health, Education, & Welfare
Washington, D. C.
The importance of clean water has been recognized since ancient times. Evidence of this recognition is seen in the comment of
the Greek tragic poet Aeschylus who said:
"But if with streams defiled and tainted soil,
Clear river thou pollute, no drink thou'lt find!"
This observation is as it was in the Fifth Century, B. C. Its
portent for the future is ominous.
Since the beginning of World War II, this country has become
a tremendous water user and is suffering many of the "growing
pains" associated with rapid development. We are experiencing
increasing competition for available waters and sharper conflicts
between water users. Also, we are all aware that water use for
all purposes is increasing rapidly. We are, therefore, confronted not
only with today's water resources problems, but with planning for
tomorrow's needs as well.
In the years ahead, an important share of the nation's welfare
will depend on our ability to accommodate all water uses in a reasonable and equitable manner. With respect to pollution control, several
plans to this end are on trial or have been proposed. Various authorities would like to suggest that perhaps a number of the best
answers to our water quality management problems may be revealed
in a study of the economics involved.
The primary thought behind this paper, therefore, is to stimulate
economic studies so that such organizations and regulations as
eventually evolve to control water resources, including pollution
control, will be based on firm foundations. Certainly it would be
better for these foundations to be laid on the economic merits of
the situation than on some arbitrary expediency which otherwise
might rule.
The dependence of national economic growth upon water should
89